Annual Cycle of Gametogenesis of the Soft-Shelled Clam, Mya arenaria, at Solomons, Maryland

Abstract

Samples of three year-classes of the soft-shelled clam,Mya arenaria, were dredged at approximately two-week intervals from the mouth of the Patuxent River, Maryland. Changes in gonadal development were noted from histologically prepared sections of male and famale clams. Two separate periods of gametogenesis were noted. More gametes are formed during the autumn or primary period of maturation than during the spring or secondary period. Clams as small as 25 mm in shell length were found to contain mature gametes. Follicle cell inclusions and other cells observed in the gonad are discussed along with their seasonal changes.